Charles a



(No M00191. v

C. A; BLAKE.

BRACELET.

No. 247,878. Patented Oct. 4,1881.-

N. PETERS. Pluolo-Lilhngraphen Washinglnn. 0,6.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES A. BLAKE, OF NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO T.w. SHORT & co OF SAME PLACE.

, BRACELET.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Lette'rs'latent No. 247,878, dated October4, 1881. Application filed August 2, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom t't may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES A. BLAKE, of North Attleborough, in thecounty of Bristol and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new anduseful Improvement in Bracelets; and I do hereby declare that thefollowing is a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

Myinvention relates to bracelets of that class in which the free endsoverlap and are selfopening sidewise of the bracelet by the elasticityof the bracelet or of a spring included within it.

The invention consists in applying to such a bracelet a locking-catch,and in combining with said catch an ornament of any suitable form.

In thedrawings, Figure 1 shows an edge view of the bracelet in an openposition. Fig. 2 shows the same in a closed position. Fig. 3 is a planview of the locking device with the ornamental part removed, and Fig. 4a plan View with the ornament in place.

In the form shown the bracelet is composed of a single piece of tube orrod, A, having overlapping ends with ornamental bosses a. The braceletis so made that the overlapping parts spring apart sufficiently to admitthe introduction of the wrist, though it is not absolutely necessarythat it should spring apart by its own elasticity the full distancerequired, as it may be still further opened by force beyond the limit towhich it is carried by the elasticity. It is necessary, however, thatthe overlapping ends should tend to spring apart, in order to hold thecatch in place.

The catch consists of a simple hook, I), journaled near one end of thebracelet between annular flanges c c, placed about midway of theoverlapping parts. This hook is adapted to fit over the other end of thebracelet between similarannul ar flanges, dd. These flanges hold thebracelet securely againstany endwise movement, and the resilience of thespring locks the whole in place.

The ornament c is soldered or otherwise'securely connected to the top ofthe hook, conceals the same when in place, and gives the article afinished appearance. Any suitable form of ornament may be used for thepurpose.

In removing the bracelet from the wrist the hook is thrown up and fallsover out of the way, so as not to occasion any annoyance to the wearerby bringing sharp points or rough parts in contact with the wrist. Thisposition of the hook gives the same security both in taking off andputting on the bracelet.

The form of the hook may be varied, it being essential only that itshall hook over the opposite arm of the bracelet and hold the resilienceof the spring.

Manifestly,the bracelet may be made in two or more parts, andjointed toeach other so as to open laterally, and be provided with an internalspring adapted to throw it open; but sufficient elasticity can be givento a single piece of metal forming the body of the spring.

I have shown the body of the bar or rod as made of a single piece, roundin crosssection; but the bar or rod may he made oval in crosssection, orin any other desirable form.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is- 1. A bracelethaving overlapping ends and a fastening-hook hinged upon one end andadapted to hook laterally over the other, substantially as described.

2. In a bracelet of the class described, the hook I), hinged upon oneoverlapping end between annular flanges and adapted to hook between likeflanges on the other, substantially as described.

3. In combination with the overlapping ends of the bracelet and the hookI), the ornament attached to the hook and covering the same,

substantially as described.

In testimony whereofI have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

OHARLES A. BLAKE.

Witnesses:

J. E. POND, J12, N ELLIE DooLEY.

